The Town Hall and our three community centres will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period. The Town Hall reception will be closed to visitors from Monday 23 through to New Year's Day and will reopen again as normal on Thursday 2 January 2025. Our phone lines will be open as normal 10am - 4pm on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24. The phone lines and reception will be closed from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27. Lines will reopen again 10am - 4pm on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 but reception will remain closed. 

While we are closed, our out of hours service will be available for emergencies only. You can also contact us online.

The new solar-powered litter bins, capable of holding at least five times more than traditional litter bins, are now in place across the borough to help tackle litter and reduce our carbon footprint. Wrapped in eye-catching designs to suit their locations, these Big Belly Bins make sure there really is no excuse for littering. Some will even talk to you too - thanks to local teachers and pupils (including Adelaide from Sandcross Primary School, pictured here with Cllr Hannah Avery). Using solar power, the 125 new smart bins will compact the waste inside and send an alert to our Cleansing team so they can be emptied only when needed and before they become full. With fewer journeys being necessary, we'll reduce fuel costs and pollution and free up time for the team to focus on other work, such as litter picking and clearing up fly tips and graffiti.

Lucy Pevensie, heroine of C. S. Lewis's classic children's tale 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', returns to the Narnia Trail in Banstead Woods. Chainsaw sculptor, Ella Fielding, has recreated the carving of Lucy waiting by the lamppost, which was removed in 2021 due to natural decay. Visitors to the trail can step through the wardrobe and meet Aslan the Lion, the White Witch and, of course, Lucy herself. The trail was officially opened in June 2017 to mark the designation of Banstead Woods and Chipstead Downs as a local nature reserve.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 10 December between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions or ideas that you would like to put to him, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Colin Sutherland MBE, who was made an Honorary Freeman for services to our community earlier this year, passed away on 6 November. He was the only living Freeman of the borough, loved by many, and will be greatly missed. Cllr Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of Reigate & Banstead described Mr Sutherland as "a perfect gentleman and public servant who dedicated his life to supporting so many local organisations in the borough". 

Would you know how to help someone who is being frightened, controlled, hurt or abused by a partner or family member? For friends and family, it can be really challenging supporting someone who is being abused by a partner or family member. Surrey Against Domestic Abuse advises that the most important thing you can do for them is to provide emotional support, listen to and believe them. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and affects people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities and income levels. If you are concerned about a friend or family member you can seek advice from the Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline provided by Your Sanctuary: 01483 776822 or visit: Surrey Against Domestic Abuse website. In an emergency you should always call 999

We’ve now published the results of October’s engagement activity on arts and cultural provision while the Harlequin Theatre is inaccessible. Thanks again to all those who took part. These findings, along with the outcomes of the intrusive survey to further investigate the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (‘RAAC’) and the building condition survey will form part of a report to the Executive in January 2025 for consideration. 

The festive season is upon us. If you are planning on eating out with friends and family or taking a taxi to any of your engagements, we hope you can do so safely. If you are eating out, be sure to look before you book by checking out your restaurant's food hygiene rating. This will ensure you avoid the risk of food poisoning. Before getting into any taxi, it is important that you check that they have the proper licence plates and that the driver is wearing their photo ID badge. Taking an unlicensed taxi can put you at risk, as there are no guarantees that the vehicle is safe to travel in, or that the driver is a fit and proper person to carry passengers. Stay safe and enjoy your holidays.

Network Rail will be carrying out works on the Brighton to London line above Horley subway over Christmas, which will require the subway to be closed from 9 December 2024 to 10 January 2025. A diversion will be in place for pedestrians via the footbridge, or by walking up to the station and back again. During this time, our High Street Car Park will be closed for Network Rail’s use, so there will be no access for vehicles or pedestrians to the car park or to the recycling bring site. Network Rail will be writing to nearby properties.

There are many reasons why people find themselves without a safe place to call home. If you’re concerned about someone you believe is sleeping rough, please report it directly to our outreach service online via Streetlink. The Council’s outreach service, East Surrey Outreach Service (eSOS) works with people sleeping rough and those at risk of becoming homeless. Renewed Hope East Surrey is a local charity providing support to the homeless, vulnerable and isolated.

The popular Reigate on Ice has returned to the beautiful setting of Priory Park and promises more sparkle and fun than ever before. We're pleased to welcome back the Matthews Organisation and its festive skating experience, which will run until 1 January. The ice rink, one of the largest temporary winter rinks outside of London, is suitable for skaters of all levels – from seasoned pros to total beginners. Covered by a clear span tent, visitors will be able to skate in the park whatever the weather. Other attractions include family rides, food stalls, an alpine bar and live music.

Pop along to Horley Community Centre's annual Christmas craft fayre on 5 December for a chance to meet Santa and browse handmade crafts and gifts from local artisans. The event will run from 11am to 2pm and entry is free.

Horley’s Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday 7 December from 10am to 4.30pm on the High Street - an opportune moment to visit the town, watch live music, drink mulled wine, have some hot food, and see Santa's grotto. There will also be a dog competition at 1pm.

We have launched a public consultation on the draft budget for the financial year 2025/26 and we invite residents, businesses and partners to give us their views before noon on Monday 13 January 2025. Like all local authorities, we face ongoing and new financial pressures, due to many factors including a continued reduction in central government funding, and the impact of ongoing economic factors. This means that every year we need to budget carefully.

We want to hear from residents, disability groups and other interested parties in our review of polling districts and polling places in the borough. The review looks at the size and boundaries of polling districts (the areas created by dividing electoral wards into smaller sections to align with overlapping parliamentary constituencies, county divisions, and town or parish council wards). It also considers the location and suitability of polling places (the buildings in which polling stations are situated) in particular, access for residents with disabilities. It follows the Boundary Commission for England’s review of Surrey County Council’s boundaries in 2023-24. The deadline for comments is 16 December 2024.

Together with Horley Town Council, we want to hear from residents, sports groups and visitors to help improve outdoor recreational, sport and play facilities in the Horley area. We want to know how you use them, what you think about them and what other facilities you would like to see to help keep fit and active. By taking part, you could be in with a chance to win a £100 shopping voucher. The survey will open later this week and closes at 9am on 27 January 2025.

Adults aged over 65, those with long term health conditions and pregnant people are all encouraged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID. This year many GP practices and pharmacies are offering the option of booking a combined appointment to have both vaccines at the same time.

The Department of Work and Pensions is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so they continue to receive benefits. Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and customers must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits.

Did you know that if you are of State Pension age and eligible for Pension Credit, you could receive extra support for heating costs such as the Winter Fuel Payment, the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments? Please check that your friends and loved ones know about Pension Credit and help them to find out if they could be eligible to receive this vital support. 

We’re proud to put a spotlight on the work of Stripey Stork - our local baby bank in Reigate & Banstead, which is doing amazing work supporting families with children and young adults aged  0-18. In the last 12 months they have helped over 11,000 families across Surrey and Croydon. If you’ve got preloved kids' items to donate or some time to volunteer, they’d love to hear from you.

We know times are tough for many people. Surrey County Council has provided tips and contact details to support you if you’re struggling this winter. Whether you’re over 60, a family, a person with a disability or health conditions, out of work, a carer or simply just looking to cut back on your everyday energy bills, there is information for you. Advice includes financial support, welfare and health and wellbeing support. Find more support visit the Welfare Hub web page. There's also a Chat Bot that can guide you through support relevant to you and your needs using the HLP web app